Non-League Eastleigh have this afternoon confirmed the appointment of Ian Baird as their new first team manager.

"This follows the reaching of an amicable agreement with Havant & Waterlooville in respect of his contract with them," announced the Stoneham Lane club.

Havant had threatened to take out an injunction to block Baird's move to their Blue Square South rivals because the ex-Saints striker was only two months into a three-year contract at Westleigh Park.

But it understood that a compensation package was agreed this morning in a meeting between Eastleigh's directors and Havant chairman Marcus Hackney and director of football Derek Pope.

"We're satisfied that we've got the right man for the right money," said Eastleigh's director of football David Malone.

The Eastleigh club statement added: "The board would like to wish Ian a long, happy and successful association with this club.

"We would also like to thank David Hughes and Paul Doswell for their efforts this season and we look forward to our new management team achieving the success we all crave".

Full story: see tomorrow's Daily Echo